After having lived in Toronto my whole life, I would say yes it's bad relative to other places. I personally don't think Montreal is better like so many others say. Toronto and its surrounding regions (York, Peel, etc.) are so large and easy to get to, you've got a lot more choice on your hands.

However, compared to the US, we have much less selection in term of the mall-type stores. Our Forever 21, Garage, Stitches, etc. are definitely not as extensive in selection or up to date in styles as their American or European counterparts. In downtown Toronto, we're pretty blessed with the selection of mid-high end lines (even in comparison with many US places excluding their large cities). But what we ARE lacking is competitive pricing and selection (there's only a few well stocked places around here).

It makes me mad Toronto is so behind. Boston a city smaller in population is ten times better in terms of brands, selection and prices.

Yeah, me too. But the sheer buying power of the retailers there just can't be beat. Sigh....

More and more foreign stores are coming to Canada, if only we got Topshop and Uniqlo....and a few more higher end stores like Saks, Nordstroms, etc. Holt Renfrew does not have any competition at its size (only small boutiques but they really don't compete!)....

What are my options for purchasing a new 2008 Black Balenciaga First bag???
Holts doesnt have any black ones in stock and dont know when or if they'll get anymore anytime soon, so wondering if I could get one in Buffalo or Rochester???? wouldnt want to have to go to NYC or Chicago, any ideas or help is appreciated....

I'm planning to go line up for the CDG x H&M launch, but it's my first time going to something like this, so what is it like? How early should I go? Also, they will carry the line at both the Bloor and Eaton location - is one better than the other? Bloor is a lot smaller than Eaton, so I don't want to go there and find out they don't carry all the pieces.

Nitrolicious (blog) has posted all the pieces. I don't have the link though, so you might have to search around... Also, the most recent Vogue Nippon has Erin Wasson modeling some of the pieces. It's very nice, go check it out.

@rollagasper: Eatons is the Toronto flagship so they'll have everything
@fashion_boi_01: Just checked out the Club Monaco website; I can't afford to drop $300 on a pea coat unfortunately .
@shopace: I've never actually been in Zara! I understand it's fairly well priced... can anyone confirm?

^ Zara is fairly well priced in that you are paying a fraction of the price for a similar piece straight from the runway. It is basically all runway/brandname inspired items. I find the quality lacking for the price, though. While their fabrics are generally okay, they really need to work on their finishing as I've had many pieces unravel. I think you can find coats at Zara for $150-350 depending on the style.

You might also want to try H&M. Their winter coats, imo, are strictly fashion. The materials are rougher, but then again, you get what you paid for, right? But their styling is very slim.